Diaper holder and the like



Dec. 15, 1953 SANFO 2,662,526

DIAPER HOLDER AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 19, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l l 24 ta 1 1 B INVENTOR. M4BL M 5A/VFO/PD MMQM ATTOAWATJ Dec. 15, 1953 M. M. SANFORD 2,662,526 DIAPER HOLDER AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 19, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. M4515 M jA/VFOAO Patented Dec. 15, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,662,526 DIAPER HOLDER AND THE LIKE Mable M. Sanford, San Francisco, Calif. Application January 19, 1953, Serial No. 331,928 8 Claims. (Cl. 12s 2s7) This invention relates to a diaper holder and the like and has for one of its objects the provisionof a diaper holder that is simple to use, economical to make, and easy to clean.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a diaper holder having a main body .por-. tion that is formed from one piece of waterproof material and that is adapted to hold the diaper material when the diaper is in use and to be opened out for cleaning so that no objectionable scams or crevices or the like are present, thereby making it possible to easily keep the holder free from objectionable foreign material and free from objectionable odors.

Heretofore holders for diapers have had two main objections, one being that the holders did not effectively retain the diapers and moisture absorbed by the latter, and the other being that where attempts have been made toovercome the first difficulty, the holders have been constructed so as to either not be comfortable on the baby, or else they have been incapable of being thoroughly cleaned, or both.

Where there are pockets for diaper material, which may be in any of the many forms, such as absorbent paper material, cloth, etc, it has usually been customary to ,sewsuch pockets to another sheet thus forming a seam along the juncture in which foreign material and moisture will accumulate, and from which it cannot be removed thus creating an unsanitary and unpleasant condit on Ihe presen invention avoids these objections and at the ame time. providesastructure that secure y r tains forei n mat rial and moisture in the diaper material that, in turn, is retained in the diaperholder.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the description and in the claims.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the holder in open position except that one end flap is folded to overlie the central portion so as to show the structure below the flap.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of to that of Fig. 1 except that it combines the in turn, of a baby. The diaper diaper hOldiIlg therein.

Fig. 4 is a sectional of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

In detail, referring to Figs. 1, 2, the diaper holder illustrated therein comprises a main body having an elongated central portion I, and end portions 2, 3 and t, 5, the said end portions 2, 3 extending oppositely outwardly from oneend of the central portion I, relative to thelongitudinal view taken along line 44 2 axis of the central portion. End portions 4, .5 similarly extend oppositely outwardly from the other end of said central portion.

The longitudinally extending marginal portions .6, i (Fig. 2) of said central portion I are formed to extend upwardly or to one side of the part that is between them, for it is on said part that the diaper material (not shown) is to be positioned.

Where, as is preferable in the present case, the material of said holder is of thermoplastic material, the said marginal portions 6, i can readily be molded under the influence of heat to the form shown in Fig. 2 whereby said marginal porions will virtuallyformthe opposite, longitudinally extending sides of the central portion.

The said portions 2, 4 are formed in continuation of the ends of the .side 6 and of the ends of the central portion I, while .end portions 3, 5 are formed in continuation of the ends of the side 1 and of the ends of said central portion.

It is also pertinent to note (Fig. 1) that the adjacent edges of the end portions 3, 5 are concavely curved linearly thereof and'the same is true of the adjacent edges of end portions 2, 4. These curved edges are in continuation of the outer edges of the sides 6, 7.

When the end portions at the ends of the central portion [are outfolded as seen in Fig. 1, they tend to carry the sides 6, l outwardly with them so asto openrup the pocket that is between sides 6, i and of which they are the two opposite sides. Conversely, when the end portions 2, 3 are folded over each other to crossing relation, and when end portions 4, 5 are similarly crossed, the sides ii, 1 will be drawn toward each other and over diapermaterial that is between them. These will bem re ully explained later on.

Endqfiaps [8,. H are respectively in continuation of the central portion 1 at opposite ends thereof. Flap to is at the end carrying end portionsz, 3 and flap ii is. at theother end.

,Eaehof t e flaps Iii, H- has lateral extensions [2,, 4,3 that extend oppositely outwardly beyond he ma um ateral. dimensions of the central portion 1 at. the ends; of, the latter.

Securedtotheends of the. central portion l at. about the isunctures between the endfiaps' It, [I and aidcentral; portion, are waistband sections l5, l6. ,Section 15 has lateral or oppositely litwa dlyextendins portions I1, I16, hassimilarportions 19', 20.

Each of the. extensions [7, H3 has a snap fastener 2;! thereon, which maybe the female elemenii of a pair, and-Ieachor the end portions 2, 3 has themale. or other element 22- of the 'pair.

At the other-end of the body, thesame structure is provided in which extensions I9, 26 are FIF -W d Withieinale snap fastener elements 23 and. the-end portions: 4:,5. have the male elements 2-4. ,Obviously any suitable form of quick releasable fasteners may be provided.

i8 and section In operation or use, the diaper material (not shown) which may be of any suitable moisture absorbent material, is positioned on the central portion between sides 6, l and between end flaps H), II.

The next step is to fold the end flaps In, H over the ends of such diaper material and to tuck the extensions l2, l3 under such ends so as to hold the diaper material in place against shifting longitudinally of the central portion.

The extensions 4, are then successively folded over the flap H in crossing relation so that the element 24 on extension 5 will be secured to element 23 on extension l3, and element 24 on extension 4 will be secured to element 23 on extension 23.

Extensions 2, 4 are folded over in the same manner as extensions 4, 5 except that element 22 on extension 3 is secured to element 2| on extension secured to element 2! on extension i3.

Obviously the order of folding the extensions 2, 3 and 4, 5 may be changed, but in any event, the extensions 4, 5 will secure flap II in folded position, overlying the latter, and extensions 2, 3 will similarly overlie fiap I3. Also, by such folding of the extensions 2 to 5 inclusive, the sides 6, I will be held over the diaper material with the free edges along said sides directed toward each other.

The holder, so formed (after folding of the flaps and extensions) may be held in a conventional diaper or panty with the extensions I? to 23 inclusive in waist encircling relation. In this position, the central portion will be between the legs of the baby with the diaper material (not shown) against the baby.

In the form of invention shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the diaper holder itself apart from the waist band sections is the same as in Figs. 1, Z and being identical, the same numbers are used, there being a central portion on which the diaper material 33 is supported between sides 6, l and between end flaps It, I, said flaps overlying said material.

The end portions 2, 3 carry snap fastener elements 22 and end portions 4, 5 carry similar elements 24.

Instead of the waistband sections as shown in Figs. 1, 2, the form of invention shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 provides a sheet of material 3| that extends below and beyond the central portion of the holder of Fig. 3 with end extensions 32, 33 (Fig. 5) which have liner strips 34, 35 of soft flannel material secured to the side that is next to the body of the infant. These extensions carry the snap fastener elements that are engageable with the snap fastener elements 22, 24 to hold the extensions 2 to 5 in crossed relation.

The sheet 3| including the end extensions 32, 33 virtually substitutes for the panty that may be used to cover the holder of Fig. 1 and at the same time provides the waistband.

The corners of the sheet 3| at the end extensions may have male snap fasteners 39 at end 32 and female snap fasteners 36 at end 33 and the marginal portions of said sheet extending longitudinally thereof may be hemmed over as at 3! with an elastic 38 at each end adjacent to snap fasteners 35 to gather the sheet along said hems, so as to give the hemmed edges a snug and expansible fit around the legs of the baby.

In the form of invention shown in Fig. 3, it is desirable that the central portion of the holder be heat sealed to the sheet 3| rather than I! and element 22 on extension 2 is 4 stitched, and in Fig. 1, it is desirable that the waistband sections l5, l6 also be connected to the ends of central portion In by heat sealing instead of by stitching to avoid the possibility of thread being saturated with moisture. Thus the sheet 3| may be of the same plastic material as the holder, and the same is true of the waistband sections l5, Hi.

In both forms of the invention the material of the holder may be folded on itself along the free edges and heat sealed in order to reinforce the edges as well as providing a smoother edge.

I claim:

l. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion and opposite end portions extending oppositely outwardly from the opposite ends of said central portion and relative to the longitudinal axis of said central portion, flaps at the ends of said central portion in longitudinal extension thereof and foldable toward each other over one side of said central portion for holding diaper material on said central portion, the end portions at each end of said central portion being foldable toward each other and over the flap adjacent thereto when said flap is folded over said one side of said central portion, the marginal portions of said central portion that extend longitudinally of the latter being connected with said end portions for movement therewith when said end portions are folded toward each other for holding such diaper material against shifting laterally relative to said axis.

2. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion and opposite end portions extending oppositely outwardly from the opposite ends of said central portion and relative to the longitudinal axis of said central portion, flaps at the ends of said central portion in longitudinal extension thereof and foldable toward each other over one side of said central portion for holding diaper material on said central portion, the end portions at each end of said central portion being foldable toward each other and over the flap adjacent thereto when said flap is folded over said one side of said central portion, the marginal portions of said central portion that extend longitudinally of the latter being connected with said end portions for movement therewith when said end portions are folded toward each other for holding such diaper material against shifting laterally relative to said axis, the lateral edges of said central portion along said marginal portion being concavely curved linearly thereof in continuation of one of the edges of each of said end portions.

3. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion and opposite end portions extending oppositely outwardly from the opposite ends of said central portion and relative to the longitudinal aXis of said central portion, flaps at the ends of said central portion in longitudinal extension thereof and foldable toward each other over one side of said central portion for holding diaper material on said central portion, the end portions at each end of said central portion being foldable toward each other and over the flap adjacent thereto when said flap is folded over said one side of said central portion, the marginal portions of said central portion that extend longitudinally of the latter being connected with said end portions for movement therewith when said end portions are folded toward each other for holding such diaper material against shifting laterally relative to said axis, Waistband sections secured to said opposite ends of said central portion, said flaps being in overlying relation to said sections before said fiaps are folded against said one side, means on said sections for releasably securing them together in a position encircling the waist of a baby when said central portion is between the legs of such baby.

4. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion and opposite end portions extending oppositely outwardly from the opposite ends of said central portion and relative to the longitudinal axis of said central portion, flaps at the ends of said central portion in longitudi nal extension thereof and foldable toward each other over one side of said central portion for holding diaper material on said central portion, the end portions at each end of said central portion being foldable toward each other and over the flap adjacent thereto when said flap is folded over said one side of said central portion, the marginal portions of said central portion and extend longitudinally of the latter being connected with said end portions for movement therewith when said end portions are folded toward each other for holding such diaper material against shifting laterally relative to said axis, waistband sections secured to said opposite ends of said central portion, said flaps being in overlying relation to said sections before said fiaps are folded against said one side, means on said sections for releasably securing them together in a position encircling the waist of a baby when said central portion is between the legs of such baby, means respectively on said end portions and on said waistband sections for releasably securing them together when said end portions are so folded toward each other.

5. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion and opposite end portions extending oppositely outwardly from the opposite ends of said central portion and relative to the longitudinal axis of said central portion, flaps at the ends of said central portion in longitudinal extension thereof and foldable toward each other over one side of said central portion for holding diaper material on said central portion, the end portions at each end of said central portion being foldable toward each other and over the fiap adjacent thereto when said flap is fo1ded over said one side of said central portion, the marginal portions of said central portion that extend longitudinally of the latter being connected with said end portions for movement therewith when said end portions are folded toward each other for holding such diaper material against shifting laterally relative to said axis, waistband sections secured to said opposite ends of said central portion, said flaps being in overlying relation to said sections before said flaps are folded against said one side and said end portions being in overlying relation to said waistband sections when they are so folded toward each other.

6. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion the opposite longitudinally extending marginal portions of which are molded to one side of the plane of the part of said central portion that is between them to form side sections for holding diaper material on said part and between said side sections, end portions on said central portion formed in continuation thereof at its opposite ends and formed in continuation of said side sections, said end portions extending oppositely outwardly of the ends of said central portion and being foldable toward and across each other at each end of said central portion at the same side of the latter as said side sections project, end flaps projecting oppositely from the ends of said central portion along its said axis foldable to positions below the crossed end portions at each end of said central portion when said end portions are folded across each other for securing such diaper material against movement longitudinally of said central portion.

'7. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion the opposite longitudinally extending marginal portions of which are molded to one side of the plane of the part of said central portion that is between them to form side sections for holding diaper material on said part and between said side sections, end portions on said central portion formed in continuation thereof at its opposite ends and formed in continuation of said side sections, said end portions extending oppositely outwardly of the ends of said central portion and being foldable toward and across each other at each end of said central portion at the same side of the latter as said side sections project, end flaps projecting oppositely from the ends of said central portion along its said axis foldable to positions below the crossed end portions at each end of said central portion when said end portions are folded across each other for securing such diaper material against movement longitudinally of said central portion, and means respectively connected with said central portion and with the outer ends of said end portions for releasably securing said end portions crossed over each other at each end of said central portion.

8. A diaper holder comprising a main body of moisture proof sheet material having an elongated central portion the opposite longitudinally extending marginal portions of which are molded to one side of the plane of the part of said central portion that is between them to form side sections for holding diaper material on said part and between said side sections, end portions on said central portion formed in continuation thereof at its opposite ends and formed in continuation of said side sections, said end portions extending 0ppositely outwardly of the ends of said central portion and being foldable toward and across each other at each end of said central portion at the same side of the latter as said side sections project, end flaps projecting oppositely from the ends of said central portion along its said axis foldable to positions below the crossed end portions at each end of said central portions when said end portions are folded across each other for securing such diaper material against movement longitudinally of said central portion, said central portion and said end portions and said end flaps being one piece of said sheet material adapted to be opened substantially flat free from interstices and crevices whereby it may be easily and completely cleaned and thereby kept free from objectionable foreign material and objectionable odors.

MABLE M. SANFORD.

No references cited.- 

